Tippett to have emergency surgery for disc problem

Dallas Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett will undergo emergency surgery this afternoon to have a disc removed from his neck. Tippett awoke this morning to numbness in his right shoulder and arm, prompting the emergency surgery. He is expected to return to work on Monday and resume his regular head coaching duties.

"Our primary concern is Dave Tippett's health and well being," said Stars General Manager Doug Armstrong. "We are happy to report that expectations are good for Dave to make a full recovery and he will return to his head coaching duties next week."

Associate Coach Rick Wilson will act as head coach over the next two games this weekend (tonight vs. Phoenix and Saturday at Colorado). Wilson served as head coach for the final 32 games of the 2001-02 season, compiling a 13-11-7-1 record.

Stars Assistant General Manager Guy Carbonneau will join Wilson and Assistant Coach Mark Lamb on the bench during the next two games as well. Carbonneau served as an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2001-02 season.